Wilson returns as Wales call up uncapped Duncan

Joe Duncan (left) pictured in a blue Wales shirt and Harry Wilson (right) pictured in a yellow Leeds United shirtImage source, Getty Images/FAW
Image caption,

Joe Duncan (left) has won two caps for Wales Under-21s, while Harry Wilson has 69 senior caps

ByDafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales
  • Published

Harry Wilson is back in Wales' squad for their Nations League matches against Norway and Portugal, while there is a first call-up for young goalkeeper Joe Duncan.

Wilson has been one of Wales' most influential players in recent years but injuries mean the Leeds United attacking midfielder has not featured for his country since March.

His Leeds team-mate, centre-back Joe Rodon, also returns despite not playing since injuring his hamstring in August.

"We've clearly seen in my time here the influence Harry's had," said Wales head coach Craig Bellamy. "He's had a big influence on the team. He's been outstanding for us.

"Joe's been immense, so it's great having him. Players have to come through [for their clubs] this week so, fingers crossed when we report Sunday, we have these players available because they're really important for us."

Cardiff City playmaker Rubin Colwill is recalled but fellow midfielder Jordan James is out after sustaining an injury while playing for Wolves against the Bluebirds last Saturday.

The only new call-up is 20-year-old keeper Duncan, who is on loan at National League side Southend United from Championship outfit Bristol City.

Born in Bristol but qualifying for Wales through his maternal grandfather from Cardiff, Duncan has represented Wales Under-21s and replaces Everton back-up Tom King in the senior set-up.

Wales, who are looking to preserve their place in the Nations League's top tier, face Norway in Oslo on Saturday, 14 November before finishing their campaign at home against Portugal the following Tuesday.

Wales are third in Group A4, with their only win from four matches so far coming against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway in Cardiff last month.

Bellamy's side could still finish in second, third or fourth place.

A top-two spot would take Wales to the Nations League quarter-finals in March 2027.

Finishing third would mean a relegation play-off against a League B team in March while finishing bottom of the group would result in either a relegation play-off or direct relegation, depending on the ranking with other League A groups.

Wales Squad

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Manchester United), Danny Ward (Wrexham), Joe Duncan (Southend United - on loan from Bristol City)

Defenders: Connor Roberts (Burnley), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Jayden Lienou (Leeds United)

Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Kai Andrews (Oxford United - on loan from Coventry City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Leeds United), Liam Cullen (Leicester City), David Brooks (Bournemouth)

Forwards: Brennan Johnson (Everton), Sorba Thomas (Hull City), Lewis Koumas (Liverpool), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Dan James (Leeds United), Cian Ashford (Cardiff City)

Wales' Uefa Nations League fixtures

Saturday, 14 November

Norway v Wales – Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo (17:00 GMT)

Tuesday, 17 November

Wales v Portugal – Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff (19:45 GMT)